Sink hole in Wilts & Berks Canal

A SINK hole appearing in part of the restored Wilts & Berks Canal could affect the canal in Swindon.

This is if its repair takes much longer, as it is understood it is getting worse, Janet Friend reports.

Having an effect

The waterway running through the town is enjoyed by its people but the sink hole is having an effect on the level of water.

It was earlier this year a sinkhole appeared on the bank above a culvert carrying a river below the Wilts & Berks Canal in Wichelstowe.

A temporary dam was put in place with a highways team investigating to understand more about the scale of the problem and how best it could be tackled.

Work will start on Monday 2nd September and will last for approximately one week to repair the culvert. This will mean temporary dams will be  employed at both sides to allow work to proceed. (Photograph courtesy of Swindon Borough Council.)

Restoring the waterway

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is involved in restoring the waterway but has a number of stretches to complete before it can be reopened. Then eventually it would join Semington on the Kennet & Avon with the Thames at Abingdon.

The aim of the trust is to reinstate it in full.